2. Festivals of Light Around the World

Much has changed since the first Winter solstice celebration that was held four thousand years ago. It's evolved, been reinvented, and renamed. We've modernized it, personalized it, added new traditions, and spread it throughout the world. Yet one thing remains constant: No matter how you look at it, the winter holidays still revolve around the balance between light and dark. Each one of them is still, in its own special way, a festival that bids adieu to darkness and welcomes the light - the light that warms our spirits, rejuvenates our bodies, and shows us the way on our personal paths.

 

Wooden Lodge Window
with Christmas Tree

CHRISTMAS (December 25)

Originally intended as a religious holiday to blend in with the Pagan Sun-welcoming rituals and commemorate the birth of the Christ-child, this festival was purposely placed within the Winter Solstice celebration time frame. Aside from the incorporation of Christendom's Holy Family, most of this festival still retains its original Pagan roots. Traditions vary from country to country, but nearly all cultures incorporate trees, decorations, feasting, gift-giving, goodwill, a Santa figure and, of course, lights of some sort.
Other festivals of light include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Yule.